LM_NET: Library Media Networking
I've just enjoyed reading a weekend's worth of posts on this thread, and I'd
like to add what I hope will be my last words on the subject (but maybe
not!).
First of all, thanks to so many who wrote both to me and to the list for your
thoughts and comments. I've replied to many, and I'm grateful for the
adherence to my suggestion that you not be too harsh with me...;-)
Secondly, I must say shame on you to those who would even suggest that any of
us on either "side" are trying to make divisions amongst us. I thought this
was a forum in which we could openly discuss issues of importance to
ourselves and exchange vital information. It's of great benefit to all that
those wishing to air views will do so with the assumption that "it's just one
more person's opinion." It's also of great benefit to any library students
out there on the list. Some things you just don't get in library school! If
some are cruel, I'm sorry. Please let's all try to think of another's
feelings before we spout off. The only reason I wrote what I did in the first
place was because I disagreed violently with the notion that we shouldn't
help someone just because s/he was an aide doing a librarian's job. I may
disagree that an aide should be running a library in the first place, but
once you're in the position, hey, we're all in the same business and we need
to help and support each other all we can.
On this particular subject I must say that most of the discussions I've had
with you have been very enlightening. I think I speak for most of us when I
say that we who are certified and tend to "complain" probably have reason for
doing so. Either we've had aides who don't know their places and try to be
the librarians when there are certified people in the building, or we've lost
a job to a non professional because the district wanted to save money in
salaries and benefits.
I've gotten messages from non certified "librarians" who are obviously doing
wonderful jobs in schools that probably wouldn't even have libraries if it
weren't for them. I applaud what you're doing and I'm thrilled that you care
so much for the children to see that they have a library. Please don't be
offended that others simply disagree that this should be happening. If you
don't need to be certified in your state to do the job, the problem is with
the state certification requirements, not with you. If your district can't
afford or find a qualified person, again, you are not to blame, and no one is
trying to lay blame where it shouldn't be.
It's a simple philosophical disagreement about who should be doing the job of
running school libraries. Obviously those of us who spent time in grad school
believe we're the best trained, and of course those who have experience
behind them believe that sometimes there IS no better teacher. I agree, to a
point, with whoever said "we're both right." We all possess different and
unique talents and each person's situation is his or her own--we can't make
blanket statements about this when there are so many exceptions to the rule.
I don't wish to argue the point with anyone who disagrees with me. I simply
accept what you say that you are doing a good job and you may well feel
qualified to do it without the degree, but it won't change my mind. I think
administrations need to be educated, plain and simple, that at all costs a
librarian should be hired wherever it is humanly possible to do so. Please
take all comments in the spirit in which they were meant. I think every
person who replies to a post is to be commended for taking the time to share
a view, and it would be a shame if some of us decided to stop sharing because
of the inevitable backlash we're sure to receive from those who immediately
feel offended by our views. I've learned so very much as a result of being a
part of this group, and, like many of you, I have teachers in awe of what I
can do and how quickly I can get answers to odd/tough questions because of
this wonderful resource. Let's all continue to share in a spirit of
camaraderie and not let differences of opinion divide us. We're all much too
far above that.
Jody
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Jody Gerlock, Librarian, Upper School phone (609) 924-6700 ext. 241
Princeton Day School fax (609) 924-7278
P.O. Box 75, The Great Road email: Jody_Gerlock@pds.k12.nj.us
Princeton, NJ 08542
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